Apex NC Utilities 2026 | Water, Sewer, Electric, Gas, Trash & Internet Setup Guide

Last checked: July 8, 2026 — Official Town of Apex and provider sources verified.

Short Answer — Apex Utilities at a Glance

The Town of Apex provides water, sewer, and electric service directly to residents inside town limits. Trash and recycling are handled by GFL Environmental under contract with the town, while yard waste is collected by Apex Public Works. Natural gas is served by either Dominion Energy North Carolina or PSNC Energy (a Duke Energy company) — which one depends on your exact address. Internet and cable are served by private providers including AT&T, Spectrum, Google Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet, and EarthLink, with availability varying street by street.

The single official starting point for all town-run services is apexnc.org. From there, you can find the utility billing department, trash pickup information, gas provider lookup guidance, and everything else needed to get your home set up.

The most important rule: confirm your exact address before selecting a provider, signing a contract, or scheduling service. Apex's municipal boundaries, extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), and unincorporated Wake County areas all have different service arrangements.

Water & Sewer Service (Town of Apex)

The Town of Apex provides water and sewer service directly to residential and commercial properties within town limits. This is not a third-party utility — the town operates its own water distribution and wastewater treatment systems, giving it direct control over rates, maintenance, and service quality.

Setting Up Water and Sewer Service

If you are moving to a home inside Apex town limits, you must set up water and sewer service through the Town of Apex Utility Billing Department. This is the same department that handles electric billing, which means you can manage water, sewer, and electric all through one office. The utility billing office is located at Apex Town Hall (73 Hunter Street, Apex, NC 27502).

To start service, you will need:

  • Your exact street address and parcel information
  • Your move-in date
  • Identification and proof of occupancy or ownership

The town processes new service requests during regular business hours. While the town does not publish a firm processing time on the sources we reviewed, it is reasonable to allow 3 to 5 business days for your request to be fully processed before your move-in date. Submitting your request at least a week before move-in gives you a comfortable buffer.

Billing for Water and Sewer

Water and sewer charges appear on your combined monthly utility bill from the Town of Apex, along with electric charges. The town bills monthly, and you can pay through several methods (detailed in the Billing section below).

Rates

Water and sewer rates in Apex are set annually by town ordinance. They are not published in a format we can reproduce here — rates change each fiscal year based on operational costs, infrastructure investment, and town council decisions. You can find the current rate schedule on the Town of Apex website (apexnc.org) or by calling the Utility Billing Department.

What the Official Sources Tell Us

Based on the information available through apexnc.org:

  • Water and sewer are managed by the town as a unified system.
  • The utility billing office at Town Hall handles all water, sewer, and electric account management.
  • The town's GIS map (apexnc.maps.arcgis.com) can help you confirm whether a property is within the town's water and sewer service area.
  • Properties outside town limits may be served by Wake County utilities, private wells, or septic systems rather than the Apex municipal system.

What the official sources do not publish in a format we can confirm: Specific current water and sewer rates per gallon, connection fees, deposit requirements, or tap fees. These figures change regularly and vary by property type. Contact the Utility Billing Department directly for current charges.

Electric Service (Town of Apex Electric Utilities)

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood facts about Apex utilities: the Town of Apex operates its own municipal electric utility. Duke Energy does not provide electricity to homes and businesses inside Apex town limits.

Apex is one of the few municipalities in Wake County (and in the broader Research Triangle region) that owns and operates its own electric distribution system. This means when you move to Apex, your electric provider is the town itself — not the investor-owned utility that serves most of the surrounding area.

Setting Up Electric Service

Electric service in Apex is set up through the same Utility Billing Department that handles water and sewer. You do not need to call a separate company. When you call or visit Town Hall to start water and sewer, you can add electric to the same account in the same conversation.

Outage Reporting

Apex Electric Utilities handles power outages directly. If you lose power:

  • Report the outage to the Town of Apex Electric Utilities Department.
  • Have your account number and address ready when you call.
  • The town's electric system covers the municipal service area only — if you live just outside town limits, you are likely served by Duke Energy and must report outages to Duke Energy instead.

Why This Matters

Because Apex runs its own electric utility, the town can set its own rates, prioritize local infrastructure projects, and respond directly to local service conditions. Many residents who move from areas served by Duke Energy are surprised to find a different provider in Apex — and that confusion can lead to unnecessary calls to the wrong company. If you are new to Apex, remember: your electric bill comes from the town, not from Duke Energy.

What the Official Sources Tell Us

From apexnc.org and apexeconomicdevelopment.org:

  • Apex Electric Utilities is a full-service municipal electric provider.
  • The department handles new connections, billing, outage response, and maintenance within the town's electric service territory.
  • The economic development site (apexeconomicdevelopment.org) highlights the municipal electric utility as a selling point for businesses, noting that the town can offer competitive rates and responsive service because it is locally controlled.

What the official sources do not publish in a format we can confirm: Specific residential electric rates per kilowatt-hour, base connection fees, or deposit amounts. Contact the Utility Billing Department for current electric rates.

Natural Gas (Dominion Energy / PSNC Energy)

Natural gas service in Apex is provided by one of two companies, and your exact address determines which one.

ProviderTypeService Area
Dominion Energy North CarolinaRegulated natural gas utilityServes portions of Apex and surrounding Wake County
PSNC Energy (Duke Energy company)Regulated natural gas utilityServes portions of Apex and surrounding Wake County

How to Determine Your Gas Provider

Because Apex does not have a single town-wide gas provider, you must check your specific address to find out which company serves your home. Here is how:

  1. Check your natural gas meter — If the home already has gas service, the meter and piping may have the provider's branding or logo. Dominion Energy and PSNC Energy each use distinct meter markings.
  2. Ask the current homeowner or landlord — The previous occupant or property owner should know which gas company they paid.
  3. Contact both providers with your address — Dominion Energy and PSNC Energy can both tell you whether your address falls within their service territory.
  4. Check the Town of Apex website — apexnc.org may have a gas provider lookup tool or guidance for new residents. If the information is not immediately visible on the homepage, use the site search function.

Setting Up Natural Gas Service

Once you have identified your provider:

  • Contact the provider directly — Dominion Energy and PSNC Energy each handle their own account setup, billing, and customer service.
  • Have your address and move-in date ready — Both providers will need to verify that your address is in their service area before creating an account.
  • Allow time for connection — If the property does not currently have gas service, a site visit may be required to connect or turn on the meter. This can add several days to the setup timeline.

Important Gas Safety Notes

  • Natural gas odorant (the "rotten egg" smell) is added to gas by both Dominion Energy and PSNC Energy for leak detection. If you smell gas, leave the building immediately and call 911, then call your gas provider.
  • Both providers offer emergency contact numbers for gas leaks and other urgent issues — save this number when you set up your account.
  • Do not attempt to turn on a gas valve or meter yourself. Always schedule a professional connection through the provider.

What the Official Sources Tell Us

Based on information from apexnc.org:

  • Apex confirms that residential natural gas is delivered by either Dominion Energy North Carolina or PSNC Energy.
  • The town does not operate its own gas utility — it is served by these two regulated providers.
  • The town's website acknowledges the two-provider territory and recommends that residents verify their specific provider by address.

What the official sources do not publish in a format we can confirm: A complete address-by-address map or lookup tool showing which provider serves each property. You will need to contact the providers directly or check with the previous occupant.

Trash, Recycling & Yard Waste (GFL Environmental)

Residential garbage and recycling collection in Apex is provided by GFL Environmental under contract with the Town of Apex. Yard waste is handled separately by the Apex Public Works Department.

GFL Environmental — Trash and Recycling

GFL Environmental is a national waste management company that serves Apex under the town's residential collection contract. GFL handles both garbage and recycling pickup for single-family homes and duplexes within the town's service area.

How collection works:

  • Trash and recycling are collected weekly on a scheduled day determined by your address.
  • The town uses a color-coded zone system to organize pickup routes. Your zone determines your collection day.
  • Carts are provided by GFL under the town contract. You do not need to purchase your own containers.
  • Carts must be placed at the curb by the designated time on collection day, typically early morning.

Finding your pickup day: Your exact collection day depends on your address and zone. Check apexnc.org for the current zone map or call GFL Environmental directly with your street address to confirm your pickup schedule.

Yard Waste Collection

The Apex Public Works Department handles yard waste collection separately from garbage and recycling. Yard waste includes:

  • Leaves and grass clippings
  • Branches and small tree limbs
  • Brush and garden trimmings

Yard waste collection follows a separate schedule from garbage and recycling. Check the Apex Public Works page on apexnc.org for current yard waste collection rules, including acceptable materials, bundle size limits, and pickup frequency.

Holiday Schedule

GFL Environmental observes a modified schedule on major holidays. If your collection day falls on or near a holiday, your pickup may be delayed by one day. The Town of Apex publishes the holiday schedule on its website — check apexnc.org before major holidays to confirm whether your pickup is affected.

What the Official Sources Tell Us

Based on information from apexnc.org:

  • GFL Environmental is the contracted residential trash and recycling provider for Apex.
  • Yard waste is handled by the town's Public Works Department, not GFL.
  • The town uses a color-coded zone system for pickup scheduling.
  • Carts are provided as part of the service.

What the official sources do not publish in a format we can confirm: Specific cart sizes, replacement cart procedures, bulk item pickup policies, and the exact current holiday schedule. Contact GFL or the Town of Apex for current details on these items.

For a more detailed breakdown of trash, recycling, and yard waste in Apex — including the full zone map, holiday schedule, and cart rules — see the dedicated Apex Trash Pickup article.

Internet, Cable & Phone Providers

Apex is served by multiple private internet and cable providers. Unlike water, sewer, and electric, internet service is not a town-run utility — each provider builds its own network infrastructure, and availability varies from street to street.

Major Providers Available in Apex

ProviderTechnologyNotes
AT&TFiber and DSLFiber available in many newer subdivisions; DSL in older areas
SpectrumCable / Hybrid Fiber-CoaxBroad cable coverage across Apex and Wake County
Google FiberFiber-opticAvailable in select Apex neighborhoods — expanding
T-Mobile Home Internet5G fixed wirelessAvailable where T-Mobile 5G coverage is strong
EarthLinkDSL / Fiber resellerPartners with AT&T and other wholesalers; availability varies

How to Find What Is Available at Your Address

Because no single official source lists all providers available at a specific Apex address, you must check directly with each provider:

  1. Visit each provider's website and use their address-based availability checker.
  2. Call the provider and give them your exact street address.
  3. Ask neighbors — If you are moving to a specific street, the neighbors who already live there can tell you which providers they use and how the service is.
  4. Check the Apex Economic Development site (apexeconomicdevelopment.org) — This site may list broadband infrastructure and provider information for the town.

Important Considerations for Internet Service

  • Fiber availability is not universal in Apex. While AT&T Fiber and Google Fiber serve parts of town, not every street or neighborhood has fiber-optic service. Do not assume fiber is available just because it is advertised in the area.
  • Speeds and pricing vary by provider and plan. Do not sign a contract without confirming availability and actual speeds at your specific address.
  • Data caps and terms differ significantly between providers. T-Mobile Home Internet, for example, is a fixed wireless service that may not perform the same as a wired connection. Ask about data caps, contract terms, and early termination fees before signing up.
  • Bundled services — Some providers (Spectrum, AT&T) may offer bundled internet, cable TV, and phone service. Compare these bundles against standalone internet plans from multiple providers before choosing.

What the Official Sources Tell Us

Based on information from apexnc.org and apexeconomicdevelopment.org:

  • Apex is served by multiple private internet and cable providers.
  • Availability is address-specific — no single provider covers every property in town.
  • The town does not operate a municipal broadband utility.

What the official sources do not publish in a format we can confirm: A comprehensive list of every provider currently operating in Apex, or a town-run availability-checking tool. You must verify directly with each provider.

How to Start, Stop, or Transfer Utility Service

If you are moving to or from an Apex address, here is a service-by-service summary of what to do.

Town-Run Services (Water, Sewer, Electric)

All three services are handled through the Town of Apex Utility Billing Department at Town Hall (73 Hunter Street). A single call or visit covers all of them.

To start service:

  • Contact the Utility Billing Department at least one week before your move-in date.
  • Provide your exact address, move-in date, and identification.
  • The town will create your account and coordinate with GFL Environmental for trash and recycling cart delivery if needed.
  • Allow 3 to 5 business days for processing.

To stop service:

  • Contact the Utility Billing Department with your move-out date.
  • Schedule a final meter reading if required.
  • Arrange for final bill payment.
  • Return any town-provided equipment if applicable.

To transfer service:

  • If you are moving from one Apex address to another, tell the Utility Billing Department about both addresses. They can close the old account and open the new one in a single process.

Natural Gas (Dominion Energy or PSNC Energy)

Contact your gas provider directly to start, stop, or transfer service. Each provider has its own process, but generally:

  • Call the provider with your address and move-in/move-out dates.
  • The provider will verify service territory, schedule a meter turn-on or turn-off, and set up billing.
  • Allow extra time if the meter needs to be physically turned on — this requires a technician visit.

Internet, Cable, and Phone

Contact your chosen provider directly. Unlike town-run utilities, private providers handle their own account management, installation scheduling, and billing.

Walkthrough: What to Do on Your First Day in Apex

If you just moved to Apex — welcome. Here is the step-by-step process for getting all your utilities set up.

Step 1: Confirm You Are Inside Town Limits

Before doing anything else, check whether your new address is inside Apex town limits. This single factor determines which providers serve your home and what rates you pay. Use the Apex GIS map at apexnc.maps.arcgis.com to check your property's boundary status. If the GIS map shows your parcel within the town's corporate limits, you are inside the municipal service area.

Step 2: Contact the Town of Apex Utility Billing

Call or visit the Utility Billing Department at Apex Town Hall (73 Hunter Street) to set up your water, sewer, and electric accounts. Have your address, move-in date, and identification ready. Ask them to confirm your trash/recycling provider and whether your carts are already assigned to your address.

Step 3: Identify Your Natural Gas Provider

If your home uses natural gas, determine which provider serves your address by checking the meter, asking the previous owner, or contacting both Dominion Energy and PSNC Energy. Once you know who your provider is, call to set up service.

Step 4: Check Internet Availability

Run address checks with AT&T, Spectrum, Google Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet, and EarthLink to see which providers serve your new street. Compare plans and pricing before choosing. If you work from home or need a reliable connection for school, consider scheduling installation before your move-in date so the service is active when you arrive.

Step 5: Note Your Trash and Recycling Pickup Day

Look up your collection day on apexnc.org or call GFL Environmental. Put a recurring reminder in your phone. Check whether your first pickup falls on a holiday week.

Step 6: Save the Important Contact Information

Save the following in your phone:

  • Town of Apex Utility Billing (water, sewer, electric)
  • GFL Environmental (trash and recycling issues)
  • Apex Public Works (yard waste)
  • Your gas provider's customer service and emergency numbers
  • Your internet provider's customer service number

Step 7: Set Up Online Billing

Visit apexnc.org and create an online account for your combined utility bill. Set up auto-pay if you prefer automatic monthly payments, or note the due date each month.

Resident Scenarios: Real Situations You Might Face

"I just moved to Apex and I assumed Duke Energy provides my electricity. Now what?"

This is the most common misconception among new Apex residents. If you set up an account with Duke Energy expecting them to provide your power, you will need to cancel that account — Duke Energy does not serve the Apex municipal electric service area. Contact the Town of Apex Utility Billing Department to set up electric service instead. If your home is inside town limits, the town has been providing power to your address all along; you just need to get on the correct billing system. If your home happens to be outside town limits, Duke Energy may indeed be your provider — yet another reason to confirm your address against the town boundary map first.

"I bought a home in a new subdivision. Are utilities already connected?"

In many new Apex subdivisions, the developer arranges initial utility connections, but you still need to transfer service into your name. The town still needs to create an account in your name for water, sewer, and electric. Do not assume the builder's construction account covers your occupancy — contact the Utility Billing Department as soon as your closing date is set.

"My street has two different gas meters on neighboring houses. Which one is my provider?"

This happens in Apex because Dominion Energy and PSNC Energy have overlapping service territories in some neighborhoods. If your neighbors on the same street have different gas providers, your provider depends on the specific service line connected to your property. Check your gas meter for branding, look at your closing documents, or call both providers with your address to get a definitive answer.

"I work from home and need to know which internet provider has the best reliability in my neighborhood."

The best way to answer this is to ask your neighbors. Internet service quality and reliability in Apex can vary by street and even by block, especially for fixed wireless services like T-Mobile Home Internet. If you are still in the buying or renting process, walk the neighborhood and ask residents which provider they use, how often the service goes down, and what speeds they actually get versus what they pay for. No provider's marketing materials will tell you the real-world performance at your specific address.

"I received a utility bill that seems too high. What do I do?"

Do not ignore it. Contact the Town of Apex Utility Billing Department to review your charges. Ask them to walk you through the line items — water usage, sewer charges, electric consumption, and any fixed fees. If the bill is based on an estimated reading (rather than an actual meter reading), ask for an actual reading or check the meter yourself. The town's billing department can also check whether there have been recent rate changes that explain the increase.

Billing, Payment & Customer Service

Your Combined Utility Bill

The Town of Apex issues a single monthly bill that includes water, sewer, and electric charges. You do not receive separate bills for each service. The bill shows your usage broken down by service, along with any fixed fees or applicable taxes.

Payment Methods

The town offers several ways to pay your utility bill:

MethodDetails
Online portalPay through the Town of Apex website (apexnc.org)
Auto-paySet up automatic monthly payments from your bank account or credit card
By phoneCall the Utility Billing Department during business hours
In personPay at Apex Town Hall (73 Hunter Street, Apex, NC 27502) during business hours
MailSend a check or money order to the town's utility billing address

Understanding Your Bill

If you are new to the combined bill, take a few minutes to read through each line item when your first bill arrives. Water usage is typically measured in hundreds of cubic feet (CCF) or gallons, sewer charges are calculated based on water usage, and electric charges appear as kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed. Comparing your first month's usage to subsequent months can help you spot leaks, unusually high consumption, or billing errors early.

Customer Service Hours

The Utility Billing Department at Town Hall is open during regular business hours. Check apexnc.org for the current hours of operation before visiting in person. You can also call during business hours for account questions, payment arrangements, and service requests.

What If You Disagree with a Bill?

If you believe your bill contains an error:

  1. Contact the Utility Billing Department as soon as possible.
  2. Have your account number and the specific charge you are questioning ready.
  3. Ask for an explanation of how the charge was calculated.
  4. Request a meter re-read if you suspect a reading error.
  5. Ask about payment plans if the bill is correct but unexpectedly high, and you need time to pay.

Important Warning — Inside vs. Outside Town Limits

This is the single most important section in this guide.

Apex's municipal boundaries are not the same as its ZIP code boundaries or its mailing address range. Having an "Apex, NC 27502" address does not guarantee that your property is inside Apex town limits. Properties outside the corporate limits may fall into the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) or into unincorporated Wake County — and each zone has different utility providers, different rates, and different service rules.

What Changes Outside Town Limits

ServiceInside Apex LimitsOutside Apex Limits / ETJ
WaterTown of ApexWake County utilities, private well, or septic
SewerTown of ApexWake County sewer district, septic system, or private treatment
ElectricTown of Apex Electric UtilitiesDuke Energy (typically)
TrashGFL Environmental (town contract)Private hauler or self-haul to Wake County convenience center
Yard wasteApex Public WorksPrivate hauler or self-haul
Natural gasDominion Energy NC or PSNC EnergyDominion Energy NC, PSNC Energy, or another provider — check address

How to Check Whether You Are in Town Limits

  1. Use the Apex GIS map at apexnc.maps.arcgis.com — Enter your address and look at the boundary overlay. If your parcel is shaded within the municipal boundary line, you are inside town limits.
  2. Check your property tax records — If your property tax bill lists "Apex" as the municipality, you are likely inside town limits.
  3. Call Apex Town Hall — The town's customer service staff can confirm whether your address is within the municipal service area.
  4. Ask your neighbors — If they pay their utility bill to the Town of Apex, you are probably inside town limits. If they pay Duke Energy and a private trash hauler, you may be outside town limits.

What If You Are Outside Town Limits?

If your property is not inside Apex town limits:

  • Electricity is most likely provided by Duke Energy — contact Duke Energy to set up service.
  • Water and sewer may be provided by Wake County's utility system, or you may need a private well and septic system. Check the Wake County utilities website or call the county's utilities department.
  • Trash service is not covered by the Apex-GFL contract. You will need to contract with a private hauler or use Wake County's solid waste convenience centers.
  • Natural gas still comes from Dominion Energy or PSNC Energy in most of Wake County, but confirm your specific address with both providers.
  • Internet provider availability may be the same as inside town limits, but fiber availability in particular may differ in unincorporated areas.

Do not assume anything based on your mailing address alone. Use the GIS map and confirm with the town before signing up for any utility service.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming Duke Energy provides electricity in Apex. This is the number one mistake new residents make. The Town of Apex runs its own municipal electric utility. If you set up service with Duke Energy thinking they cover your Apex address, you will be paying the wrong company and wondering why your lights are still on (the town has been providing power through its distribution system all along — you just need to create an account with the correct office).

2. Assuming the same natural gas provider serves every Apex address. Apex is split between Dominion Energy North Carolina and PSNC Energy depending on the exact street and service territory boundaries. Do not sign up with one provider without first confirming they serve your address.

3. Not checking whether your property is inside town limits. Apex mailing addresses extend well beyond the town's incorporated boundaries. An Apex ZIP code does not mean the town provides your utilities. Always check the GIS boundary map before making any service decisions.

4. Calling the wrong number for utility service. The Town of Apex Utility Billing Department handles water, sewer, and electric — that is one call for three services. Do not call separate companies for these. Gas, internet, and trash are the services that require separate contacts.

5. Not leaving enough time for service setup. The town recommends allowing time for processing. If you call the day before you move in, you may not have active service on move-in day. Contact the Utility Billing Department at least a week before your move-in date, especially if you are moving during a peak moving season.

6. Ignoring the holiday schedule. If you miss a trash pickup because you did not check the holiday schedule, you could go two weeks before the next collection. Check the schedule before major holidays.

7. Not checking multiple internet providers. Because availability varies by street in Apex, do not assume the first provider you check is your only option. Check AT&T, Spectrum, Google Fiber, T-Mobile, and EarthLink before making a decision. Your neighbor may have a different set of providers available.

8. Forgetting to verify fees and deposits. Service connection fees, deposits, and account setup charges vary by provider. Ask about every fee before agreeing to start service.